Math I need help

Question

two mechanics worked on a car. the first mechanic worked for 20 hours, The second mechanic work for 15 hours. together they changed a total $2375. what was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of two rates was $130 per hour?

Answer 1

Set up a system of equations:

20x + 15y = 2375

x + y = 130

Eliminate one of the variables. In this case, let's eliminate y:

20x + 15y = 2375

-15x - 15y = -1950

5x = 425

x = 85

Solve for y now:

85 + y = 130

y = 45

Therefore, the mechanic who worked 20 hours charged at a rate of $85/hr while the other mechanic who worked 15 hours charged $45/hr.

Answer 2

Let R1 = Rate of first mechanic and R2 = Rate of the second mechanic ($/hour)

Then, R1 + R2 = 130

and 20R1 + 15R2 = 2375

Solving the simultaneous equations, we find that R1 = $45 and R2 = $85